By: Niki Alsford
Niki Alsford is Professor of Anthropology and Human Geography, and Director for the Institutes for the Study of the Asia Pacific (ISAP) at the University of Central Lancashire. He is Research Associate at SOAS, the University of London and Associate Member of the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford.
In August 2024, I had the privilege of attending the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, one of Papua New Guinea’s most vibrant and significant cultural events. As I stood among the performers adorned in feathers, paint, and traditional attire, I couldn’t help but marvel at the richness of the island’s cultural heritage.
The festival, or Singsing in Tok Pisin (a creole language spoken throughout the country), is a testament to the country’s cultural diversity, where over 800 languages are spoken, and each community has its unique traditions and customs. This diversity, combined with the stunning biodiversity, offers a tourism potential that is both unique and underexplored.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a country that, by all accounts, should be a prime destination for global travellers. It boasts some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, pristine beaches, and unparalleled diving opportunities, especially in regions like Milne Bay and Kimbe Bay. The rugged landscapes of the highlands are home to an array of bird species, including the rare and beautiful birds of paradise.
Yet, despite these attractions, PNG remains one of the least visited countries in the world, with tourism numbers lagging many of its Pacific neighbours.
The Potential and Perils of Tourism
The potential for tourism to bring economic benefits to PNG is undeniable. In many developing countries, tourism has acted as a catalyst for economic growth, creating jobs, fostering small businesses, and bringing in much-needed foreign exchange.
In PNG, where the economy largely depends on extractive industries like mining and oil, tourism could provide a more sustainable and diversified income stream. However, as with any developing nation, the influx of tourists comes with its own set of challenges.
PNG operates on a dual economic system: a formal monetary economy that the government and larger businesses operate within, and a subsistence economy where the majority of the population engages in farming and bartering to meet their daily needs.
The introduction of large-scale tourism could disrupt this delicate balance, particularly in the highlands, where traditional ways of life have been preserved to a greater extent than in the more urbanised coastal regions like Port Moresby and Lae.
In the highlands, the economy is not driven by cash but by subsistence farming and the exchange of goods and services within the community. This system has allowed highlanders to live sustainably for generations. Introducing a tourism-driven cash economy could lead to social stratification, with those benefiting from tourism becoming wealthier while others are left behind.
Moreover, the allure of easy money from tourists could lead to the erosion of traditional values and practices, which are integral to the social fabric of highland communities.
Cultural Sensitivity and Responsible Tourism
One of the most critical issues in developing tourism in PNG is ensuring that it does not lead to cultural exploitation or degradation. The highlands, in particular, do not need to be “developed” in the global sense of the word. Development here should not mean the imposition of foreign values or economic systems, but rather the empowerment of local communities to share their culture on their terms.
Tourism in PNG should be approached with a model of cultural sensitivity and responsibility. This means developing tourism initiatives that are community-led and that prioritise the preservation of cultural heritage over profit.
For instance, cultural festivals like the Hagen show should be supported in a way that ensures they remain authentic expressions of local traditions rather than becoming commercialised spectacles for foreign visitors.
One approach could be to focus on low-impact, high-value tourism. This model would limit the number of tourists but increase the revenue generated per visitor.
By targeting niche markets, such as eco-tourism, bird-watching, and cultural tourism, PNG can attract travellers who are genuinely interested in learning about and respecting local cultures and ecosystems. These tourists are more likely to spend money on local services and products, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are felt at the community level.
The Importance of Infrastructure and Safety
A significant barrier to increasing tourism in PNG is the lack of infrastructure. Many of the country’s most beautiful and culturally rich areas are difficult to access, with limited transportation and accommodation options. Investing in infrastructure is essential to make these areas more accessible to tourists. However, this must be done in a way that is sensitive to the environment and the needs of local communities.
Safety is another concern that has deterred many potential tourists from visiting PNG. The country has a reputation for lawlessness, particularly in urban areas. While this perception is not entirely accurate, it does highlight the need for improving security, particularly in tourist areas.
Collaborations between the government, local communities, and international partners could help address these issues, making PNG a more attractive destination for international visitors.
Balancing Development and Preservation
Ultimately, the challenge for PNG is to find a balance between leveraging tourism for economic development and preserving the country’s unique cultural and natural heritage. The highlands, in particular, represent a region where this balance is especially crucial.
Development should not come at the cost of cultural erosion or environmental degradation. Instead, it should focus on empowering local communities to manage tourism in a way that benefits them economically while preserving their cultural identity.
To achieve this, the government, NGOs, and the private sector must work together to develop tourism policies that prioritise sustainability and cultural sensitivity. This includes providing training for local communities in tourism management, developing infrastructure that benefits both tourists and locals, and ensuring that tourism revenues are reinvested into the community.
As such, Papua New Guinea stands at a crossroads. The potential for tourism to bring economic benefits to the country is significant, but it must be managed carefully to avoid the pitfalls that have befallen other developing nations.
By focusing on responsible, culturally sensitive tourism that prioritises the needs and desires of local communities, PNG can develop a tourism industry that not only brings economic benefits but also helps to preserve its rich cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
Tourism without tourists might seem like a paradox, but in the context of PNG, it represents a model of development that respects and preserves the very things that make the country unique.
By embracing this model, PNG can offer travellers an experience that is not just about visiting a new place, but about understanding and appreciating a way of life that has endured for centuries.
